[Razzarino]

Hi all,
Based in Australia here. I bought a used 2015 X3 with M Sport package recently. I'm really digging it but I do find the ride a little bit firm on bumpy urban roads. I understand swapping out the run-flats for standard tyres can help. I also understand the replacement tyres need to be specific or they might mess with the car's systems.
Would like to explore this option as my my car's long out of warranty and the front tyres need a refresh anyway... So has anyone got experience of doing this? Can you share the process you went through and the results?

Have found BMW dealer service people here in Melbourne tend to discourage it -- but I guess they would, wouldn't they?

Cheers.
Razza

[Wgosma]

See the attached PDF; the most important point about tires/tire wear on these cars is the allowable amount of difference in tire diameter (tread depth) between the front and rear tires - too much difference can put a 'strain' on the driveline/transfer case and that's where one runs into potential issues/even damage, thus the BMW specs you see in the document.

Moving from RF to go-flat (i.e. regular) tires is common practice and will most likely yield a more comfortable ride - runflat tires have improved in ride quality since they were first introduced may years ago but still, I don't think they are as good as a 'go-flat' tire for ride quality- runflats have internal structure designed to support the tire when it has lost some or all it's air pressure, so it's inherently a 'stiffer' tire than a go-flat tire.

You do want to think about how you will deal with a flat tire if you run regular tires - these car's don't have a spare tire so you are wise to carry a jack, puncture repair kit, and maybe even small compressor - this is what I have in my 2012 X3 car.

Good luck/Bill

[Razzarino]

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the response. Yes, the document you provided is pretty strict. When you changed yours to non-RFs, how did you go about it? What options for tyres were there? Did you need to work with a specialist who knows BMWs or any tyre joint can handle?

Cheers,
Ian

Originally Posted by Wgosma

See the attached PDF; the most important point about tires/tire wear on these cars is the allowable amount of difference in tire diameter (tread depth) between the front and rear tires - too much difference can put a 'strain' on the driveline/transfer case and that's where one runs into potential issues/even damage, thus the BMW specs you see in the document.

Moving from RF to go-flat (i.e. regular) tires is common practice and will most likely yield a more comfortable ride - runflat tires have improved in ride quality since they were first introduced may years ago but still, I don't think they are as good as a 'go-flat' tire for ride quality- runflats have internal structure designed to support the tire when it has lost some or all it's air pressure, so it's inherently a 'stiffer' tire than a go-flat tire.

You do want to think about how you will deal with a flat tire if you run regular tires - these car's don't have a spare tire so you are wise to carry a jack, puncture repair kit, and maybe even small compressor - this is what I have in my 2012 X3 car.

Good luck/Bill

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by Razzarino

Hi Bill,

Thanks for the response. Yes, the document you provided is pretty strict. When you changed yours to non-RFs, how did you go about it? What options for tyres were there? Did you need to work with a specialist who knows BMWs or any tyre joint can handle?

Cheers,
Ian

Ian.....'strict', yes - that's how the Germans are, ha! Find yourself a reputable tire retailer and work with them, that is all you need. There are more offerings for 'regular' tires than runflats....stick with a 'name brand', like Michelin, Yokohama, Bridgestone, etc. and you'll be fine.

These cars are rather heavy and tire lifespan is typically less than with say a sedan, so that's probably one thing you want to keep in mind - 'performance' (summer) tires will have a much shorter lifespan with their more grippy/soft rubber than say a Grand Touring all season tire---all tires have a UTOG rating (wear factor) that will provide some indication as to tread lifespan- the tire shop will know all about this, so ask them to explain.

You can have the tires rotated (front to back) at regular intervals, but in my experience the first set of tires I had I never rotated, and the wear comparing fronts to rears was nearly identical when it was time to replace them - so I'm not sure one gains much in increased lifespan by regular rotation - as the tire shop about this also.


Good luck/Bill

[tracer bullet]

Regarding the rotation, I have a staggered setup and can't do it. But I wish I could. It may have to do with driving style, where you drive (straight lines or lots of on/off ramps), even your alignment. But I wear out front tires 2x as fast as rears.

Agreed to everything said though. Keep the overall diameter front / rear the same or as close as possible so they rotate at the same speed.

You can put on whatever tire you want, but keep in mind the puncture kit if you go very far out of town.